PART VII.
OF THE SAINTS.
INSTRUCTION ON THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SAINTS ARE TO BE HONOURED.
When St. Gertrude wished to honour any particular saint, she was accustomed to give God thanks for all the graces he had bestowed on that saint, by repeating several times the psalm: Laudate DoraiDura, omnes gentes. She found by experience that when we thus thank God on behalf of any saint, he increases grace in our souls through the merit of that saint. On one occasion she seemed to see many persons clothed and adorned with the merits of St. Bernard, and was much astonished, as those persons had not done works like his. What, then, said St. Bernard to her, is she less beautiful who is adorned with the ornaments of another, than she who is adorned with her own? Assuredly not; and thus it is in regard of the merits of the saints, obtained by those who praise God on their behalf; they are conferred on them with so great love that they will be to them matter of everlasting joy. Remember this, therefore, and if you say the Divine Office, bow your head at the Gloria Patri, with the intention of thanking God for the graces He has bestowed on the saint whose feast you are celebrating.
On another occasion St. Gertrude offered to
